Student Support Specialists

Who are Student Support Specialists?

Student Support Specialists are highly qualified professionals who provide effective and efficient transition of students between alternative education programs/centers and home schools. They work collaboratively with the members of the Student Support Team in each secondary school to determine appropriate interventions for students identified as being at-risk. Student Support Specialists facilitate the choices after school discipline program and provide informational sessions to parents.

How is a student referred to the Student Support Specialists?

All students transitioning from the Renaissance Academy and alternative education programs are referred to the Student Support Specialists. Students may also be referred to a Student Support Specialist by the Student Support Team at their home school.

What are the curriculum and services offered by the Student Support Specialists?

Specialists address issues relating to academics, attendance and behavior. No specific curriculum covers each of these issues; therefore, Student Support Specialists are trained in The Mandt System® Behavioral Support for Students At-risk, Life Space Crisis Intervention, Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR), Ruby Payne’s A Framework for Understanding Poverty, Second Step, Reconnecting Youth and Developmental Assets and attend national and local training designed to help them effectively meet the needs of the students.

When do students exit the program?

Students are released from direct supervision from the Student Support Specialist when they demonstrate improvements in attendance, academic performance and behavior and receive positive feedback from parents and staff.

Whom do I contact for additional information?

Secondary Instructional Transition Specialist James Fayton may be reached by email at james.faytonjr@vbschools.com or by phone at 757.648.5937, Monday – Friday from
7 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.